Friday marks the beginning of the first transfer window since Chelsea changed ownership, so we analyse expectations for this new era at Stamford Bridge.
On the 7th of May, it was confirmed that terms had been agreed for the Clearlake Capital consortium led by Todd Boehly to assume a controlling stake of Chelsea Football Club, and three weeks later the purchase officially went through in a reported £4.25billion investment.
Ex-owner Roman Abramovich was forced into selling his shares in Chelsea, in the wake of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich, who is known to have close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was met with sanctions by the British government and this severely affected operations at Chelsea.
Consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completes acquisition of Chelsea Football Club.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 30, 2022
Following much deliberation the sale was made official towards the end of last month, enabling Chelsea to resume conducting transfer business, renew player contracts, sell tickets and reopen the club megastore.
Supporters will be hoping the new hierarchy will enjoy half the success Abramovich brought with him to London after taking over as owner in 2003. Chelsea won 19 titles in the two decades that the Russian oligarch called the shots, and in only three of the past ten seasons have the Blues ended trophy-less.
Co-owner of baseball team Los Angeles Dodgers, Boehly boasts experience in the sporting industry and in the past has not shown hesitation in laying out large pots of money for the California-based franchise. Ahead of the 2021 Major League Baseball season the Dodgers splashed out the most of all teams in luxury taxes and wages, and last year they also had the second-highest payroll in MLB history.
(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
The riches of Abramovich were best represented as a bottomless pit, and now Chelsea turn to his successor for a significant injection of funds in the transfer window. Boehly and his fellow investors have a monumental challenge facing them, with the Chelsea squad needing surgery in the upcoming summer market.
Chelsea need to invest heavily – particularly in its long-term future – with nine players out of contract in 12 months’ time, including a handful of important first-team members such as N’Golo Kanté, Jorginho, Thiago Silva and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
In addition, Antonio Rüdiger has completed a free transfer to Real Madrid whilst Andreas Christensen is on the brink of being confirmed as a Barcelona player ahead of next season. Marcos Alonso has reportedly agreed terms with Barca, and the left-back is poised to return to his native Spain before the transfer window slams shut on August 31.
Romelu Lukaku is also rumoured to be hoping for an exit only a year after his mega €115million return to West London. Lukaku is said to be optimistic of securing a move back to Inter, who are also working on a deal to sign Paulo Dybala as the Nerazzurri look to reclaim the Scudetto from city rivals AC Milan.
With an exodus seemingly taking effect, particularly in the team’s defensive unit, Chelsea’s scouting team will be up to its ears identifying and recruiting new additions in the coming years. Jules Koundé is tipped for a switch to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea were unable to prise the France defender away from Sevilla last summer. The Spanish side have already lost one central defender in Diego Carlos and are hopeful of receiving a fee in excess of €60million for Koundé.
Jules Koundé deal, still priority for Chelsea. Tuchel wants him. Talks are well advanced on player side, while Sevilla are still waiting to receive the opening bid for the French centre back. 🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2022
Price tag will be around €65m, less than €80m release clause.
Chelsea are linked with a couple other French internationals, namely Ousmane Dembélé and Christopher Nkunku, who could offset the probable departure of Lukaku. Dembélé would be available on a free if he fails to agree a new contract with Barcelona, while RB Leipzig attacker Nkunku has a market value in the region of €70million.
Aside from new recruits, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel also has a few younger players returning from loans away from the club. Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour each gained valuable Premier League minutes during respective spells at Crystal Palace and Norwich City and, considering they developed in the realms of Cobham, both will now want to earn a place in the senior fold under Tuchel.
Chelsea’s future is inundated by a substantial question mark and the upcoming summer will be vastly significant in how the next few years pans out for the Blues.
